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Grammar

What Is Punctuation? An Overview + Examples

Punctuation makes writing clear and easier to read. Punctuation marks are the symbols used to help provide clarity, emphasis, and timing in writing.

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Introduction

Our text compare tool is a fantastic, lightweight tool that provides plagiarism checks between two documents. Whether you are a student, blogger or publisher, this tool offers a great solution to detect and compare similarities between any two pieces of text. In this article, I will discuss the different ways to use the tool, the primary features of the tool and who this tool is for. There is an FAQ at the bottom if you run into any issues when trying to use the tool.

What makes Originality.ai’s text comparison tool stand out?

Keyword density helper – This tool comes with a built-in keyword density helper in some ways similar to the likes of SurferSEO or MarketMuse the difference being, ours is free! This feature shows the user the frequency of single or two word keywords in a document, meaning you can easily compare an article you have written against a competitor to see the major differences in keyword densities. This is especially useful for SEO’s who are looking to optimize their blog content for search engines and improve the blog’s visibility.

Ways to compare

File compare – Text comparison between files is a breeze with our tool. Simply select the files you would like to compare, hit “Upload” and our tool will automatically insert the content into the text area, then simply hit “Compare” and let our tool show you where the differences in the text are. By uploading a file, you can still check the keyword density in your content.

URL compare

Comparing text between URLs is effortless with our tool. Simply paste the URL you would like to get the content from (in our example we use a fantastic blog post by Sherice Jacob found here) hit “Submit URL” and our tool will automatically retrieve the contents of the page and paste it into the text area, then simply click “Compare” and let our tool highlight the difference between the URLs. This feature is especially useful for checking keyword density between pages!

Simple text compare

You can also easily compare text by copying and pasting it into each field, as demonstrated below.

Features of Originality.ai’s Text Compare Tool

Ease of use

Our text compare tool is created with the user in mind, it is designed to be accessible to everyone. Our tool allows users to upload files or enter a URL to extract text, this along with the lightweight design ensures a seamless experience. The interface is simple and straightforward, making it easy for users to compare text and detect the diff.

Multiple text file format support

Our tool provides support for a variety of different text files and microsoft word formats including pdf file, .docx, .odt, .doc, and .txt, giving users the ability to compare text from different sources with ease. This makes it a great solution for students, bloggers, and publishers who are looking for file comparison in different formats.

Protects intellectual property

Our text comparison tool helps you protect your intellectual property and helps prevent plagiarism. This tool provides an accurate comparison of texts, making it easy to ensure that your work is original and not copied from other sources. Our tool is a valuable resource for anyone looking to maintain the originality of their content.

User Data Privacy

Our text compare tool is secure and protects user data privacy. No data is ever saved to the tool, the users’ text is only scanned and pasted into the tool’s text area. This makes certain that users can use our tool with confidence, knowing their data is safe and secure.

Compatibility

Our text comparison tool is designed to work seamlessly across all size devices, ensuring maximum compatibility no matter your screen size. Whether you are using a large desktop monitor, a small laptop, a tablet or a smartphone, this tool adjusts to your screen size. This means that users can compare texts and detect the diff anywhere without the need for specialized hardware or software. This level of accessibility makes it an ideal solution for students or bloggers who value the originality of their work and need to compare text online anywhere at any time.

Punctuation adds order, clarity, emphasis and timing to writing. Punctuation marks are the specific symbols used to punctuate writing. 

Punctuation marks provide order and timing by separating and organizing thoughts. Punctuation provides clarity and emphasis by indicating whether something is a question, a statement, or an exclamation.

The marks we use for punctuation bring writing alive and help to make strings of words into comprehensible pieces of writing. 

Learn best practices for using punctuation in your writing, then conveniently review your content for proper punctuation, grammar, and spelling with the Originality.ai Grammar Checker.

Why Is Punctuation Used in Writing?

Punctuation provides essential clues and pacing for readers. Without punctuation marks, sentences, paragraphs, and full stories become just non-stop strings of words (like extended run-on sentences) that are difficult to understand. 

Example of text without punctuation:

The man tried starting his car the engine wouldn’t turn over when the woman in coveralls with the bag of mechanics tools walked in front of the car he wanted to ask for help he didnt want to bother her though she seemed to be in a hurry however she saw him and noticed he needed help without being asked she stopped and took a look how did she know the man was relieved within minutes he was back on the road

A reader gets breathless just trying to make sense of that block of words. However, with the correct punctuation, the read is very smooth.

Example of text with punctuation:

The man tried starting his car. The engine wouldn’t turn over. When the woman in coveralls, with the bag of mechanic’s tools, walked in front of the car, he wanted to ask for help. He didn’t want to bother her, though; she seemed to be in a hurry. However, she saw him and noticed he needed help. Without being asked, she stopped and took a look. How did she know? The man was relieved! Within minutes, he was back on the road.

By adding a few punctuation marks — and following the rules that go with them — the lines of words turn into sentences, which turn into a story a reader can follow. 

End Punctuation Marks

Marks of end punctuation, also called terminal punctuation, include:

Each of these three marks is placed at the end of a complete thought to indicate a stop. There are three different ones to signal three different types of complete sentences. 

  • Period: indicates a statement
    • The man started the car.
  • Question mark: indicates a question or statement of uncertainty or doubt
    • The man started the car?
  • Exclamation point: indicates excitement or emphasis
    • The man started the car! 

Rules of end punctuation

When end punctuation is used between two sentences, the next sentence must begin with a capital letter, no matter what type of end punctuation is used. 

Examples of end punctuation and capitalization:  

  • The coffee was too hot. They couldn’t drink it yet.
  • The coffee was too hot! Do you know if they had a chance to drink it yet?
  • The coffee was too hot? They couldn’t drink it yet!

Only complete sentences (has a subject and verb and is a complete thought) get end punctuation. 

Exclamations and rhetorical questions

Short exclamations, utterances, or commands use an exclamation point, even when not part of a complete sentence. Similarly, short questions or rhetorical phrases can use a question mark. 

Examples of exclamations and rhetorical questions: 

  • Oh!
  • Stop!
  • Oh, really?
  • Seriously?

Punctuation Marks That Pause and Set Off Information

Some punctuation is used to create pauses, separate ideas, or set off information. 

The most common of these punctuation marks are:

  • Commas
  • Parentheses
  • Semicolons
  • Colons
  • Dashes
  • Hyphens
  • Ellipses

Commas

Commas (,) are separators; they also help create pauses in writing. Some punctuation uses for commas include:

  • Separating items in a series: Bread, milk, and butter. 
  • Separating an introductory clause: At the store, I bought groceries.
  • Separating independent clauses: I am going to the store tomorrow, and I’ll buy groceries. 
  • Setting off information: The store, which is close to my house, has groceries. 
  • Setting off an appositive: The store, Whole Foods Market, has my favorite coffee beans.
  • Setting off a quotation: She said, “That coffee is the best!”
  • Indicating a direct address: Hi, Jane. 

Parentheses

Parentheses are used in writing to set off additional information within a sentence. While parenthetical information isn’t usually essential, it often provides helpful insight for a reader. 

Examples of parentheses in a sentence: 

  • She wore her new dress (the yellow one) to the party.
  • All three of the primary colors (red, yellow, and blue) were in her artwork.
  • The study considered the value of homework (Example Name, 2022, p. 10).

Parentheses have specific uses with numbers, too.

  • Dates with a sentence: Example Person (1930–2030) lived to be 100.
  • Area codes: (555) 555-5555
  • Some math operations: (1 x 4) + 16

Semicolons

Semicolons (;) are punctuation marks that break two complete sentences apart without adding a capital letter at the start of the second complete thought. They mark a briefer stop between sentences than a period does. 

Example of a semicolon in a sentence: 

  • The coffee was too hot; they couldn’t drink it yet.

Colons

Colons are punctuation marks that introduce, illustrate, and emphasize. Some of the ways that colons are used for punctuation include:

  • Connecting two related sentences: 
    • He did something nice: he cooked her dinner.
  • Introducing a list:
    • We need some supplies: sugar, salt, eggs, and flour. 
  • Introducing dialogue or quotation:
    • You know that old saying: “All’s well that ends well.”
    • (In dialogue) Jenny: Do I hear a morning bird?
  • Numeric jobs (ratios, odds, times):
    • 2:1, 20:1, 12:30
  • Separating a title from a subtitle: 
    • “Thor: The Dark World”

Dashes

Dashes in writing enclose and separate information from the rest of a sentence. Dashes generally emphasize the words they enclose. 

There are two types of dashes in punctuation:

  • En dashes (–): Uncommon. They stand for “to, through, or until” in a range of values.
    • Example: Real Madrid won 4–1 over Barcelona today.
  • Em dashes (—): Very common and have many uses.

The many uses of an em dash:

  • Inserting or setting off new or additional information in a sentence.
    • The dog — who is untrained — ate my shoe.
    • I have great news — I’m engaged!
  • Setting off an appositive in a sentence.
    • The store — Whole Foods Market — has my favorite coffee beans.
  • Indicating new direction in a sentence.
    • Let’s go — wait, I left my keys at home!

The rules for spacing around em dashes can vary by style guide. 

For instance, the AP Style guide recommends spaces on either side of the em dash (as shown in the examples above), while the APA style guide does not use spaces. If you aren’t sure which formatting to use, refer to your organization’s style guide.

Hyphens

Hyphens (-) are the shortest dash-type punctuation mark. They are used to create compound words and to hyphenate compound modifiers preceding a noun to provide clarity. Hyphens have many uses, rules and exceptions. So many, in fact, that when wondering if a word needs hyphenation, it is best to consult a dictionary. 

Apostrophes as punctuation marks

Apostrophes are in a punctuation class of their own. They don’t end sentences, separate information, or create pauses like so many other punctuation marks. 

In grammar, an apostrophe is a punctuation mark used to indicate possession and to replace omitted letters, words, or numbers in contractions. 

Examples of apostrophes:

  • That is Mary’s toothbrush.
  • The molasses’ sweetness made the cookies delicious.
  • The Smiths’ house is beautiful. 
  • I can’t go.
  • I love music from the ‘90s.
  • It’s about time to leave. 

Punctuation Marks Make Writing Better!

Without proper punctuation, writing is difficult to read. The variety of punctuation marks helps a writer control the pacing, emphasis and delivery of the words on the page. 

Review your content to make sure you are punctuating it correctly with the Originality.ai Grammar Checker.

Then, learn more in our punctuation grammar series:

Melissa Fanella

Melissa Fanella is a writer, editor, and marketing professional with over 15 years of experience in content and messaging for businesses and nonprofits. Her expertise is in crafting authentic, people-first content that is compelling and engaging for audiences and positioned for business goals.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it important to check for plagiarism?

Tools for conducting a plagiarism check between two documents online are important as it helps to ensure the originality and authenticity of written work. Plagiarism undermines the value of professional and educational institutions, as well as the integrity of the authors who write articles. By checking for plagiarism, you can ensure the work that you produce is original or properly attributed to the original author. This helps prevent the distribution of copied and misrepresented information.

What is Text Comparison?

Text comparison is the process of taking two or more pieces of text and comparing them to see if there are any similarities, differences and/or plagiarism. The objective of a text comparison is to see if one of the texts has been copied or paraphrased from another text. This text compare tool for plagiarism check between two documents has been built to help you streamline that process by finding the discrepancies with ease.

How do Text Comparison Tools Work?

Text comparison tools work by analyzing and comparing the contents of two or more text documents to find similarities and differences between them. This is typically done by breaking the texts down into smaller units such as sentences or phrases, and then calculating a similarity score based on the number of identical or nearly identical units. The comparison may be based on the exact wording of the text, or it may take into account synonyms and other variations in language. The results of the comparison are usually presented in the form of a report or visual representation, highlighting the similarities and differences between the texts.

String comparison is a fundamental operation in text comparison tools that involves comparing two sequences of characters to determine if they are identical or not. This comparison can be done at the character level or at a higher level, such as the word or sentence level.

The most basic form of string comparison is the equality test, where the two strings are compared character by character and a Boolean result indicating whether they are equal or not is returned. More sophisticated string comparison algorithms use heuristics and statistical models to determine the similarity between two strings, even if they are not exactly the same. These algorithms often use techniques such as edit distance, which measures the minimum number of operations (such as insertions, deletions, and substitutions) required to transform one string into another.

Another common technique for string comparison is n-gram analysis, where the strings are divided into overlapping sequences of characters (n-grams) and the frequency of each n-gram is compared between the two strings. This allows for a more nuanced comparison that takes into account partial similarities, rather than just exact matches.

String comparison is a crucial component of text comparison tools, as it forms the basis for determining the similarities and differences between texts. The results of the string comparison can then be used to generate a report or visual representation of the similarities and differences between the texts.

What is Syntax Highlighting?

Syntax highlighting is a feature of text editors and integrated development environments (IDEs) that helps to visually distinguish different elements of a code or markup language. It does this by coloring different elements of the code, such as keywords, variables, functions, and operators, based on a predefined set of rules.

The purpose of syntax highlighting is to make the code easier to read and understand, by drawing attention to the different elements and their structure. For example, keywords may be colored in a different hue to emphasize their importance, while comments or strings may be colored differently to distinguish them from the code itself. This helps to make the code more readable, reducing the cognitive load of the reader and making it easier to identify potential syntax errors.

How Can I Conduct a Plagiarism Check between Two Documents Online?

With our tool it’s easy, just enter or upload some text, click on the button “Compare text” and the tool will automatically display the diff between the two texts.

What Are the Benefits of Using a Text Compare Tool?

Using text comparison tools is much easier, more efficient, and more reliable than proofreading a piece of text by hand. Eliminate the risk of human error by using a tool to detect and display the text difference within seconds.

What Files Can You Inspect with This Text Compare Tool?

We have support for the file extensions .pdf, .docx, .odt, .doc and .txt. You can also enter your text or copy and paste text to compare.

Will My Data Be Shared?

There is never any data saved by the tool, when you hit “Upload” we are just scanning the text and pasting it into our text area so with our text compare tool, no data ever enters our servers.

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